Lab Education Guide - GC America

Rick Sonntag, RDT
Rick is the owner of 4Points Dental Designs (St. Petersburg, FL), and previously worked
as an in-house ceramist at The International Center for Complete Dentistry, the clinical
practice of The Dawson Center. With 20 years experience in Canada, Germany, and The
U.S., Rick has studied under many world-class clinicians including Dr. Peter Dawson,
Shigeo Kataoka, Ernst Hegenbarth, Willi Geller, Oliver Brix, Aki Yoshida, and Dieter
Schultz. He is an Adjunct Faculty Member at The Dawson Academy whose lectures
have focused on Shade Selection and Dentist - Laboratory Communication with an
emphasis on the importance of teamwork for predictability and success. Affiliations
include The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as a Sustaining Member, and
the NADL with a certificate in Dental Laboratory Management. With his experience
as an in-house Dental Technologist and lab owner, he is always looking for new ways to
bridge the gap between dentist and technician, and create a synergy not usually found
in traditional settings.
Olivier Tric, MDT
Olivier Tric began his studies in France at the College of Leonardo De Vinci and the
University of Pharo while concurrently pursuing an apprenticeship in Dental Technology.
After a 5 year apprenticeship, he launched a 15+ year career devoted to a thorough
understanding of the principles of Dental Aesthetics and the mastery of specialized
techniques in Dental Laboratory Technology. His specialties include all facets of porcelain
restorations on both natural teeth and osseointegrated implants. He is recognized by
his peers as a pioneer in the industry by developing new and unique methodologies
that are taught worldwide. He is widely published on the topic of ceramic layering
techniques and aesthetic dentistry in industry journals such as Dental Dialogue, Practical
Procedures & Aesthetic Dentistry and Quintessence Dental Technology. He also serves
on the Editorial Board for Spectrum Dialogue, and Teamwork Magazine. His professional
affiliations include Design Technique International (DTI), Oral Design International
Foundation, and others. Mr. Tric is a highly respected lecturer and educator, teaching
hands-on courses to dentists and technicians throughout the United States, Canada and
Europe. He is regularly consulted by leading Dental Manufacturers and Laboratories for
input on new product development. He currently operates Olivier Tric Dental Laboratory
and Educational Center in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois.